Srinagar, Oct 17, KNT: Janata Dal-United Unit from Jammu and Kashmir Monday criticized the Jammu and Kashmir administration for allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages at departmental stores.
The party under its J&K Unit president GM Shaheen staged a protest at Press Enclave Srinagar and asked the government to revoke the order that has hurt the sentiments of people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pertinently, the J&K Administrative Council headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on October 10 cleared a proposal to amend J&K Liquor License and Sale Rules, 1984 and Excise Policy, 2023-24 to allow the sale of “Beer and Ready to Drink beverages” in all the departmental stores of J&K’s urban areas. The council has also allowed Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation to sell beer and ready-to-drink beverages in “unserved/ underserved areas in consultation with the concerned Deputy Commissioner.
While talking to reporters, Shaheen said that liquor is prohibited in Islam. “We demand the immediate rollback of this controversial order,” he said.
He termed the decision as “preposterous and mischievous”, claiming that it will “not only indulge youth into a new addiction but will also have serious ramifications considering how easy its access has been made.” “On the one hand, the government claims that it has waged a war against drug addiction and other substance abuses and on the other side it is promoting the sale of alcoholic beverages in public places. Everywhere such decisions are approved only after taking all stakeholders on board but here in J&K such decisions are being made without the necessary approval or discussion with community leaders, and elders,” he said.
He accused BJP of promoting a “BJP-backed liquor mafia” in J&K.
“The BJP wants to destroy the future of the youth so that they do not question unemployment and development,” he said adding that liquor is already banned in different states of India including Bihar. (KNT)
